The Nanny Diaries

Did you see the movie version? I did and I enjoyed watching it. Now I'm reading the book. Yes, isn't it amazing, I'm reading an actual book again. Haha :)

Funny, I don't remember Alicia Keys in the movie. Nyahaha.

Scrapbook Saturday - #3: Journey

Here I am, posting my first on-time Scrapbook Saturday. Woohoo! (Click on the button to go to the SS Headquarters)

I mentioned in yesterday's post that this was going to be different from my previous entries. This is the first time I am ever scrapping a layout inspired by a movie that Alfred and I went to see. (Click the image to read the journalling)



Wish I had thought about doing this a long time ago. If I had, I'd have a huge album filled with movie layouts from those we went to on our first year dating. I just hope that this is something that I'd be able to continue doing - scrapping what each movie meant to me, or whatever it had me thinking, or feeling. Or who I saw it with.

I hope you liked it. Please do visit other SS participants, okay? :)

Layout credits:
Background paper from Dastash by Melissa Bennett
Alpha - Walking on Sunshine - Sunshine Studio Scraps
Journaling block from Flergs
Element from Fran's Boreal kit
Frame by Tracy
Paper from Tracy King's Sun Girls minikit

Tuned in to Kids

Sunday night turned out to be kids' night. No, the kids weren't around here. Rather, we spent almost the entire evening watching kids on TV.

First up: Pinoy Dream Academy's Little Dreamers.

By golly, those kids have got oodles of talent. Really. I love watching them and I truly believe there is more talent in them than their teen/adult scholar counterparts.

Cristina was named this week's Outstanding Little Dreamer, and she deserves the award. She's always very energetic in her performances. You could check out a video of her performance here. Hers was the last number in the video in that post. Check out the Archives for performances of the other little dreamers. You will be WOWed by their talents.

Later in the evening, ABS-CBN had a feature story on the two faces of malnutrition in the Philippines. On the one hand, there's the more common scene of skin and bones children who, because of poverty, and/or neglect, do not eat enough. On the other, obese children who give off a false front of being healthy but are actually are at high risk for heart disease and diabetes.

The Health and Social Welfare bureaus have programs to address the growing problem, but I know they are barely scratching the surface. Development groups and NGOs are also there with their own feeding programs and health programs for moms and their children. But how can we really save more children from dying of hunger or obesity?

With the food crisis hanging over the air, many of this kids are even more compromised than ever. But really, it's not just the poor who can't afford the enough healthy food for the entire family who's in danger. In fact, I have a nephew who the doctor said was malnourished. It is sad. He has an enormous appetite and I've never really seen him be picky with his food. But I guess he's not eating healthy.

And the overweight/over-indulged kids featured in the story have become too big for their age because their diets weren't carefully planned by the adults caring for them. So it's not just money needed to ensure that kids are healthy and grow up to become adults themselves.

It wasn't mentioned anywhere in the feature, but this got me to thinking about how the pending law on Reproductive Health is being vehemently opposed by the Catholic Church here. I mean really, I am all for educating parents-to-be before they bring more children in the world, that's a long term solution. But we've come to a desperate point already and government has the responsibility to at least make available various options to allow couples to choose the best family planning method for themselves. I just don't see what's so wrong about that. I don't think the law endorses abortion, does it? I mean, c'mon!

Lobo!

For my birthday present (actual birthday on the 22nd), Alfred is getting me DVDs of Lobo, a local TV series. He got me the first volume (4 hours worth) last week but I only started watching it on Wednesday. I've already seen some of it when it was shown on TV, but some of the scenes still move me. This series is definitely one of my favorites. Here's a preview:


Because of my work schedule I was not able to watch the series regularly. Hence the DVDs.

I wonder if ABS-CBN will ever consider releasing older teleseryes on DVD? I'd definitely be interested in the one where John Lloyd and Bea's loveteam was born - what was the title of that series? Found it: Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay. I think it was this series that got me really hooked on Pinoy telenovelas on Primetime TV. This was also the series that brought Lorna Tolentino's TV career back to life. I loved her in this series.

Eiga Sai '08 - A Stranger of Mine

I saw a Japanese movie last night, for free.

My best friend Jo asked me if I'd be interested to go to the Japan Film Festival ongoing at the Shangri-la Mall. Aside from my interest in seeing a good movie, I wouldn't pass up on a chance to hang out with her, of course I accepted. For more details on Eiga Sai 2008, read this.

I guess it was a blessing that I had to cover for Debbie at work on Saturday morning. It allowed to get off way earlier than usual.


A Stranger of Mine was scheduled for the last full show and that's what we saw. Jo had to fall in line, two hours before the movie started just to get us tickets. I almost didn't get to watch! After chatting over dinner for over an hour, we stopped by the john before queuing for the theater. When we came out, I checked my pocket and found my ticket to be gone! I was quite sure it fell somewhere in the comfort room so we went back for it. The ladies' room sure filled up fast when we got back 2 minutes later, and there was no sign of a ticket lying on the floor. Good thing the cleaning lady remembered it and then she and Jo fished it out of the trash bin. Good thing it wasn't one where you'd find spoiled tissue or what not. And the ticket escaped any kind of spoilage!

It was a fun movie to watch! The director did very well in piecing together the events of the night. I think the whole story transpired in just about three hours but it was shown in different perspectives. They were very effective too, and the attention to detail was awesome! The twist at the end was unexpected too, I didn't see it coming.

The funniest part, I think, is the part about the yakuza boss who didn't actually have any money! Image is indeed everything. Haha.

Alfred would have enjoyed the movie and I can't wait to find the schedule for the UP Film Institute screenings so he'd get the chance to see it too.

Now, more about the story. Sorry for the spoilers. This is also going to be a long post. :)

It started with Maki, who was shown to be leaving an apartment with her luggage. She pawned her engagement ring for a measly 3,500 yen. She finds herself in a restaurant, blaming herself for being in that situation after depending on others for her happiness. She vowed not to be that way from then on. At the end of the first segment, she was invited over by a stranger to dine with him - food tastes better when shared with others.

The next part showed Miyata, an office worker, staring at a woman's picture on his desktop. His co-worker was imposing on him to lend his apartment for his date the following morning. Though very reluctant, he did draw him a map eventually. He went home to his big apartment and got a phone call right away from his friend Kanda who was whispering. He invited Miyata out to dinner; news about Ayumi (his ex) was what convinced him it made him rush out, literally. They met at this restaurant. Kanda was very concerned about his friend who was still hanging onto his ex-girlfriend's shadow. He was convincing him to go out on dates, saying that timing is everything and he should have asked for the girl's phone number if he has any interest in her. It was Kanda who then invited Maki over to their table. Kanda eventually left the two to themselves.

After dinner and on their way out, Miyata found out that Maki had nowhere to go so he invited her to stay at his apartment. After much convincing, she agreed. They hopped on Miyata's bike, with Maki insisting on driving. They almost got hit by the handyman's truck! So of course, they walked the rest of the way home. Maki was supposed to stay in Ayumi's old bedroom, where all her stuff were still stored. It was the guy's turn to tell his sad story. It was funny how, to show her empathy, Maki hugged Miyata. It really surprised the latter. While Miyata was running her a bath, someone came to the door. Who else but Ayumi coming to get her stuff.

Maki really gave it to her at that point, telling her how selfish she was to leave Miyata and then come back for her stuff just like that. She then took off. Miyata told the ex to get what she needed and then he'll be throwing out the rest. He ran after Maki; he ran after her even after she hopped on a cab - that was a long way to run. He eventually intersected the cab, all he wanted was to ask for Maki's phone number! He said that he may never see her again so she has to give him his number.

The next segment is where it all started to come together. Kanda found a lady waiting at his door. It was Ayumi asking for his help to get her Passport from the apartment. Kanda was reluctant and told her how he knew everything about her - she was a con artist who had already gotten millions of yen from her old boyfriends. She left Miyata when he spent all of his savings buying the big apartment. Her latest victim happened to be a Yakuza boss and she took a brief case full of money with her in her escape!

Kanda refused to meddle with Yakuza and didn't want to help her at first. Eventually, he asked for a million in exchange for his help. He made Ayumi promise to give back the money. When she agreed, he took her to Miyata's apartment. While there, Miyata arrived. You'd know exactly when it happened because in Miyata's segment, he closed one of the doors on the hallway - it was the bathroom door where Kanda was actually peeing! It was from there that the call was made earlier mentioned and it was the reason why he was whispering! He actually held his pee until after Miyata rushed out to meet him.

From the apartment, Kanda dressed up as a delivery person and took the briefcase of money to the Yakuza boss' office. After that, Ayumi gave him his payment in exchange for the Passport and they parted ways. That was the only time he went to the restaurant to see Miyata. All he told him was that he met Ayumi and found out that she was getting married. He didn't tell him the truth. They showed the scene again when Kanda asked Maki over to join them. Then he got up to go to the john because he saw the Yakuza guys come in to the restaurant. They took him with them. So he didn't intentionally leave the two together after all. The Yakuza stripped him of his clothes before reporting to their big boss. He was then taken to the office where the boss talked to him - and Ayumi was there too. It turns out that the briefcase he brought over did not have money, but lingerie, and his PI card was in it. Ayumi really intended for the Yakuza to go after Kanda. The boss took Kanda's money but let him go. His condition was he would be using Kanda's PI services for free when he needed it. He found Kanda's folio about his investigation into Ayumi's life. So where was the money? The next morning, Kanda went to see Miyata. He found out that Miyata had thrown out the rest of the boxes, and the garbage truck had already come by to get it. MIyata happily reported though that he got Maki's phone number. He tried calling during breakfast, but found out that he had been given the wrong number.

There was also a segment focusing on the Yakuza boss. He was shown in his office with the handyman, they had cut bundles of paper and pasted real money on the top and bottom of the bundles until they appeared like bundles of real money. Everytime someone knocked on the door to see him, he would take the fake money from the safe so that the person would see him stacking the money onto the safe when they came in. Image. This was what Ayumi saw the first time she came in to her boyfriend's office. As they went out to the car, Ayumi excused herself saying she needed to use the ladies' room to freshen up. The new Yakuza was left to wait for the girl. The next scene showed the boss back and Ayumi to be missing. The boss went over to his safe and true enough, the fake money was gone! The new person said sorry and was kneeling for forgiveness. The head guard immediately went into action to look for the missing girl/money. The boss looked as if he wanted to stop them, but thought better of it. After some time, Kanda came over to drop off the briefcase. Only the boss was in his office to look at the contents - lingerie and the card. He received a call sometime after, it was the girl saying that the PI forced her to take the money and then took it from her. She told him where he was and that's how the Yakuza men got Kanda.

The Yakuza boss went to Kanda's place. He asked the handyman to pick the lock. That was the same handyman that almost hit Miyata and Maki earlier in the movie! That's where the Yakuza boss found out about Ayumi. He was puzzled why she didn't take anything from Miyata, so he headed over to the apartment. While he was there, he found the money in the box of Ayumi's stuff but Miyata and Maki arrived so he hid under the bed. It was funny how the earlier scene between the two was now being shown, but only through the two's footwork. The awkwardness felt when Maki suddenly hugged Miyata, was also portrayed by their feet! Do you remember what happened next? Ayumi came!

After Maki left and Miyata ran after her, Ayumi went into the room to retrieve the money. She found the boss then they headed back to the office to meet with Kanda. In the car, the boss let her know that he knew all about her and proposed to be partners in crime.

We thought that the movie was ending right then. But the credits rolled back, then Maki was back on the scene. She had found the money in the box of lingerie. Knowing it was Ayumi's, she took it. The taxi driver was the one who gave her the pen and paper to write her number on. Later on, he said that that Miyata seemed like a nice guy, he would do everything to make you happy, he said. Ayumi was alone again, back at the fountain where she found herself at the beginning of the film. She had decided she didn't want to be alone again.

She went back to the apartment, ready to give back the fake money. At the door, Miyata's co-worker also came by. That was the end. Yet another stranger in the mix.

What Happens in Vegas (I <3 Ashton Kutcher)

*Click the photo and it'll take you to the movie page in Yahoo.

Before I saw CSI on Cable on Sunday night, I watched What Happens in Vegas on DVD.

Predictably - Ashton Kutcher was disgustingly lovable! Haha.

I enjoyed watching and I had some laughs. I wasn't creeped out laughing on my own in the middle of the night . It was a fun movie to watch.

I have to agree with my friend though, they don't really make a cute couple, but I guess they were effective for their respective roles. It was quite easy to figure out the story. It makes for very light watching - no analysis needed. They did try to put something else into the story - like a background for why Jack was such a jerk, or why Joy was so uptight. But they just played on the same things over and over so there wasn't really much there...

But that's the up side to this movie too: just plain fun to watch.

Oh, here's a thought too. What made Joy bet on Jack? I mean, apart from him going to the retreat and saving her ass, what did Jack show her that made her bet on him? Or was she just saying it out of pity. I get how easy it was for Joy to be herself around Jack, and not to wish she was something or somebody else. But the other way around? I didn't quite get that.

Anyhoo. I still enjoyed the movie and would recommend it for anyone who's bored . I also agree that for any relationship to work, the individuals have to somehow come to terms with their own demons. If they can't rid themselves of it, at least they should know that they have quirky issues.

What Happens in Vegas also got me thinking: what does it really take to make a marriage last? What makes a union a marriage? My parents have been together for over 30 years. I was at my grandparents' golden wedding anniversary just before I started my freshman year at the university. I'd still like to believe that most marriages in the Philippines do last. Will Alfred and I make a good marriage?

Yesterday, he mentioned to me that he has casually told his parents our plans to get married in June of 2009. Casually. It was his eldest brother's despedida lunch and that brother's father in law casually asked his mom when Alfred had plans to tie the knot. So he told them. That was it. We don't know how we're going to tell my side of the family. It feels kinda weird. Haha.

Have we prepared ourselves for it already? Do we bring out the best in each other like Jack and Joy did? Though sometimes it doesn't look like it, I still think that we do.

CSI: Worrick

I just watched an episode from the latest season of CSI, and though there was no crying or shouting, I felt like it was one of the most emotional episodes I've seen of the show. Granted, I hadn't seen what happened to Sarah earlier on in the season and I'd have to hunt those episodes down right after this post, but I was so engrossed today.

Bullet wound/s through the neck - will Worrick survive that? That's got to be tough. I was hoping that Nick would come out of the diner and see the undersheriff (from afar even) leaving the scene and then he notices Worrick slumped on the wheel. At least that way Worrick has a chance to survive?

I can't explain how I was feeling, you know? I'm not exactly a big fan of CSI, I watch on and off and I don't really care if I miss episodes (seeing as I don't know what has happened to Sarah). But it's just...

Worrick can't really be written of can he? He's gone through so much to keep his job as CSI. But I must admit, I saw it coming. There was a bittersweet vibe as they left the diner one by one. I thought it would happen as soon as he walked out the door. When I saw the under sheriff, that was it.

Anyway, wouldn't it be wonderful to work with people who truly cared about you? People who will hold no judgment and will look for that which will prove your innocence when you are being misjudged by others. They really pulled together for Worrick there. Would my colleagues pull together for me like that? Would yours?

Anyway, CSI New York is up and they're dealing with James Bond wannabe thieves. Gotta pay attention to that.

On stage

Lea Salonga's My Life On Stage concert at the PICC was aired on TV tonight and I actually enjoyed watching it.

Two or three weeks ago, they showed the making of Cinderella and I told Alfred that I wanted to go see it at the CCP. I checked out her website and found that the premiere show is in July the 29th and there are still seats available! After seeing her concert tonight, I really do want to go see Cinderella.

I will have to ask a friend though, who may be more familiar with the CCP main theater, on what the best cheap seat would be. I don't want to be at Balcony II and end up not seeing Lea's facial expression. Haha.

I don't think Alfred would want to join me there, I hope he would be interested though. Maybe I'd ask my mom and dad but I don't really want to spend for all three of us. If I sponsor 50% of their tickets, maybe they'd agree. Hmm...

Have I mentioned before in the blog that I used to do theater? Well watching Lea reminds me of how I loved performing. I know I was good too. Haha - you've got to give it to me, I'm very confident. Haha. I wonder if it isn't too late to go back? I think PETA has adult classes... Nah, I wouldn't really.

P.S. I Love You - the movie

P.S. I Love You - It's been a while since I watched this movie and yet I can't stop thinking about it. I am also bummed that boyf has not made an effort to watch it.

The first 13 minutes of the movie is definitely the best scene of all. The opening music sets the mood, not for the explosive scene, but for the overall tone of the movie. It has all the tendencies of becoming very emotionally heavy, and yet there are so many light moments too that make up for it.

I love how Holly is so worried and so serious and Jerry always has a joke to throw back.

I've got to warn you though, this isn't much of a movie review but more a comparison to my own love life.

What if this is it, Jerry?

There were times when I thought that way too. What it this is all there is to it? What if nothing else is ever going to happen in my life?

I know what I want because I have it in my hands right now.

I think I've heard Alfred say something like this before. Or at least he used to. And I swear I didn't like that facet of him, because I've always felt that he should always aspire for something more, to let himself dream and want to achieve something else. I mean, yes, be happy with what you have and accept your circumstances, but there's nothing wrong with striving to get more in life too. But now? I can honestly say that too. I have what I want and I am not asking for anyone else. I am no longer looking beyond or wishing that I fell in love with a more accomplished and career-oriented person. With all sincerity, I am happy with who I have.

And towards the end of their fight, how Jerry left, and then came back and asked:

Are we finished now Love? Can I come back?

And then Holly ran towards him and they made out. So hot! Alfred and I are so like that!

We're not a mistake just because we don't have any money.

So true of us too. We might not have the money to have our wedding now. But heck, I'll probably agree to forgo my dream wedding if I really had to. All that really matters is that our families and friends can be there and be witness as we say our vows in front of God. We also don't have money to do all the things I wish we would be able to do, but... So what?

And we are gonna last. You know how I know? Because I still wake up every morning and the first thing I want to do is see your face.

Aaaahhhh...

I get so afraid sometimes our life's never gonna start.

We're already in our life, it's already started. This is it. You have to stop waiting.

I have stopped waiting. We may not be married yet, and not officially living together, but I know we've already started living the lives we both wanted for ourselves. If we haven't yet, then we definitely are starting. We are so done with waiting.

You've got to have a plan Jerry.

Haven't I said that countless times too? We do have a plan, and we've set it in motion. But as I also mentioned, we are no longer just waiting for things to happen. You can't let happiness take a backseat because it isn't in the plan yet.

Apart from the opening, Jerry's funeral is also something. And the planning that went into all the letters and the trip to Ireland. Jerry did take care of Holly, even if it meant that it was his last act. Oh and Holly's karaoke stunt, that was something. I wonder when Alfred would take the mic and sing out loud too? He never does.

Holly had issues that needed sorting out even while Jerry was alive. I have my own issues too. I just hope it doesn't take a death of a loved one to overcome those issues.

I know I've found my Jerry.

I really did relate to the story in more ways than one. I am definitely going to look for a copy of Ahern's book. And the soundtrack too.

Oh, I know I said it before, someone get me an Irish man! Wahahaha, peace babe! :)

P.S. I love you

7 more facts about me (verabear)

I've been tagged by Angelica and Kimberly, who are both digiscrap designers. I was so surprised to see comments from both of them about the tag, I never would have expected it. This was the same tag that I did for Vicki awhile back, but I figured there's gotta be more than 7 random facts about me right? Wouldn't hurt to have another go! hehe.

1) Link your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
2) Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3) Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs (now this is the part I will be having a hard time with)
4) Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.


Here are 7 more random facts about me :

1. It is 3:05 AM as I start with this list and I am watching a movie online. It's PS I Love You and it is an awesome movie. I love it! I cannot believe I didn't go see it in the cinema. The first 13 minutes - wow! I am adding it to my list of favorite movies. Oh - I want me an Irish man! Hahaha :)
--> First random fact: PS I Love You is one of my favorite movies.

2. I had intended to look into the ad sites I signed up for in the past two days so I could carefully place them in my blogs, and consider how I can place them in my verabear.com site too. See, I seriously want to make extra money with all the time I spend online. I can't for the life of me design anything for digital scrapbooking, so I had to find something else. Hopefully that really takes off soon.
--> Second random fact: I'm into making money online.

3. I think my boyfriend is really serious about marrying me in June of next year. I told him I won't be making any plans until I get a ring. That was just a joke of course. We'll see. ;)
--> Third fact: Plans to get married are underway. No one else knows but us. And YOU :)

4. I submitted an application at work today for a different position than the one I currently hold. If I get it, I'd be going back to training people - something I've really loved doing when I was doing it. I knew it was something I really wanted. But honestly, it was tearing me apart this afternoon deciding whether to turn in my papers or not. I've grown attached to my current team, it's as if I don't really want to leave them. And for once, I seem to be somewhere where things are going along just as planned. Oh, we'll see.
--> Fourth fact: I think my calling is somewhere along the lines of education -- in teaching, facilitating learning, training. My previous job was in this line too.

5. I will not make a very good housewife - I'm not good at cleaning house, I don't cook. Both could change though. That's the fifth fact -- I am not domesticated.

6. There were photography classes in a Summer Workshop I attended when I was 8 years old. I believe I took really awesome pictures that summer. I wonder where those are. I don't remember any of the things I learned then.
--> Fact number 6: I am a frustrated photograher. Hehe.

7. I secretly wish I was in Kris Aquino's staff. I think she shares her blessings with her. Kris is a local celebrity. Read her Wikipedia article to know more. I am not happy that there is no single site that features her beautifully!

That took a long time to list. Weird. I hope you learned some new things about me :)
Here's the very hard part, tagging 7 other people. Here goes (but going to their blogs and telling them they're tagged will have to wait until tomorrow, I'm pooped!):

1. Ganns
2. Dette
3. Dee (oh I hope you can find time for this)
4. Hummie
   
5. Arianne
   
6. Dauphine
   
7. Ugh. I am still one tag short!
   

Praise and Worship

For my TT a post down I listed the things/thoughts I have wanted to post about but have not gotten to. Today, as I was bloghopping (late TT visits and going through my blogrolls), I chanced upon http://www.gannsdeen.com/ and read beyond his TT post.

At first I only thought of linking to his page for his David Cook Always be my baby stream because although I followed AI this season, I missed the Mariah episode. I am rooting for Cook. Archuleta is adorable but really, Cook has got it.

Then I read about the best decision he's ever made.

Here's item 5 on my TT: My thoughts on being a non-active Church member who does not attend Sunday mass (or any mass for that matter). I specifically want to dig through my thoughts and feelings about what I can do to be part of either the Youth movement or Sunday School. I know I have something to contribute, I'm just not making time.

See the connection? Okay, maybe you don't because it's all still in my head, and in my heart. This piece is probably just going to expose one part of it. I know there's more.

It started with the music. He's TT was about Christian songs that you should hear. One of which was his own composition. I listened to it and liked what I heard. Understand too that's it's early afternoon here and the toob is tuned to ASAP and they just had their GaryV 25th anniversary tribute/celebration. I have been singing along and my parents have had no choice but endure the sound of my voice. Hehe.

I went to an all-girl Catholic high school. Whether or not you were Catholic, you had to be around to attend the mass that would be celebrated every month or for every special occasion. I seriously didn't mind because the services were much like our own Church services, they provided an opportunity NOT to be studying, and I liked singing along and learning their Church songs. That was really what I enjoyed most about having to attend mass with a multitude of girls - praise and worship through song. Mass without singing is just plain boring for me.

At Church, we sing hymns and people read the music from the Hymnal. I like those too. There's also local, relatively recently composed songs that go into the Sunday Liturgy. I like listening to everyone's voice mingling with each other. As a kid I wondered whether the older people actually attended classes to learn those hymns, everyone just blended perfectly.

In Sunday School, we would listen to and learn Kids Praise (another memory of my Aunt I wanted to write about last month but didn't get to) - yes, Psalty was my friend and I am so going hunting for his CDs - the complete collection.

Really, isn't singing praises like 5 times more wonderful? I mean compared to just sitting and listening and reciting stuff at Church?

Anyway, so that's what got me to thinking (again) about what my beliefs are and how my faith manifests. I belong to a Church denomination that's fairly small - The Episcopal Church in the Philippines, part of the Anglican Communion. My family history is intertwined with this Church's history. Really, it's more like an extended family. That's what I like about our small Church, we are found scattered throughout the country from up north to down south, but it's all just like one big family. Growing up in what I consider the heart of the Church just gave me an awareness of its life.

I distinctly remember the last summer I spent active at Church. It was the summer we moved house. I was with the SKEP, the Church youth group, and we sat with the Cathedral choir. Really, I went to rehearsals and sang at the Sunday Mass. We even had an Easter Cantata, I think the first and last that it was done. We had an awesome conductor. I truly enjoyed that time. It made me think that perhaps that was my place, my ministry - in music.

Videoke Night Out

After a week of talking about it, we finally went out to a night of videoke fun last night.

Everyone in the team was there so that was good. I think everyone had fun too though it did end a little too early. Haha.

There's definitely something more that I'd like to write, I just don't have the energy anymore. Perhaps tomorrow. :)

Finally you get to see the Truffles!

YUMMY-NESS
I've been munching on these a lot lately:

Yes, ever since watching the 7th Heaven marathon on Studio 23 during the Holy Week and the twins lured the others into telling them their secrets over cookies and milk. I also discovered Double Stuff Oreos during a rare errand to MiniStop and have found it difficult to resist grabbing a pack (or two) when I see the shelves restocked.

I was exceptionally happy then to see Bakerella's recipe for the yummy truffles. As I posted on the 24th, I finally made them:


I love them - very much. It took a lot of willpower to resist eating every piece in this package that I brought with me to work. All I thought was that I brought them to share and that I had to make them last until morning when Alfred comes in and that helped curb my desire to gobble them up.

I'll make more on Tuesday or Wednesday because one of my friends at work wants to bring some on his out of town trip. Mmmhmmm.

SEARCHIN' MY SOUL TONIGHT
Remember Vonda Shepard singing that in the intro credits to Ally McBeal? I'm listening to her music as I surf through the net. I just love the soundtrack for that TV series. I got the two CDs they came out with but I can't seem to find them. So I'm listening through Music Messenger. It makes me feel good to sing along to those tunes. Even the slow ones lift me up. I'm not sure why.

Leona on Idol, and Zune's getting better :)

Leona Lewis was on Idol this week.



Bleeding Love isn't my favorite but she is a great performer and a talented singer so I still enjoyed seeing her there. Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful song but it just doesn't showcase her vocal range much. I've only really 'heard her' through Music Messenger and I really liked her in the other songs I heard. I didn't really love the original, but her version of A Moment Like This got me stop working when I heard it. It got me thinking whether it was her original!

Too bad Carly's been eliminated; that leaves Syesha as the last of the power house singers among the girls (Ramielle and Carly being the two others). It was such a shock that Brooke was able to hang on, but good for her too because she gets to have a chance to redeem herself next week.

I would be heartbroken (hehe) to see Jason Castro go when his time comes - I like him but I don't think he's top two material. But I am not America so I may be wrong again.

Zune has not been well this week, but he is better today. He's running in and out again, and he's been barking at strangers coming to our door again. Looking forward to him getting better still so he can take a bath! We took him to the vet on Wednesday morning and I was touched that the doctor sent me a text message just now checking up on him. How sweet!

Movie Date with the Girls: Step Up 2

So while Alfred was on his way to Boracay last week, I had to kill time doing other stuff with other people (though I really just spent a lot of time sleeping during my 4-day weekend).

That Sunday, I decided to take my nieces (who are no longer little kids) out to see a movie. I think I mentioned that in this post.

I gave them the privilege to choose the movie, and being the young teenagers that they are, they chose Step Up 2 over Horton Hears a Who (I personally wanted to see Horton with them).

It actually turned out to be a good choice for the girls, and me too. I enjoyed the movie.

I only saw a feature on the making of Step Up 1 but didn't get to see it so I had no idea that there already was a Step Up 2. Anyway, I think it was the right movie to see with the girls because it seems to have got them to thinking about choosing the friends they hang out with, and also about what they need to prioritize. It didn't talk much about family which was a theme that the girls really need to focus on as well, but I guess you can't have everything in one movie.

Andie's admission into MSA got me to thinking about young dancers out on our streets. I don't think they would ever get the chance that Andie got, except maybe if they went on to join dance contests on TV shows. Even then, I don't think they'd be taken into any real training program for dance and learn about different genres and all that.

Or maybe I'm wrong, and I'd like to be proven wrong. I've seen young people who love dancing and form their own groups. They rehearse everyday and make themselves available to dance in fiestas in different barangays (local communities). All they're hoping for, is to become good enough to become part of dance companies who perform regularly in TV shows. Some of them make it, most of them don't.

What would be great, is if there'd be dance companies who'd reach out and organize dance workshops or dance camps for these kids. They'd get the discipline, learn new stuff, and maybe even just learn how to exercise and stretch properly, along with safety measures so they can avoid injuries while practicing or performing.

Back to the movie.

Missy quitting 410 and showing up at MSA was a surprise, or maybe I wasn't paying much attention earlier on in the movie. But her jumping right in and rallying the new crew to step up and continue the fight, was a bigger surprise.

But the dancing was awesome. The music was great.

Come to think of it, when you watch the movie, you aren't supposed to be thinking or analyzing, but just enjoying the scenes and tap-tap-tap to the beat. In all honesty, all the thinking I did, happened after the movie. While watching, we were just captivated by all the cool moves.

27 Dresses

Well isn't this just the cutest widget? I was looking for a trailer or a picture to post along with what I wanted to say about the movie 27 Dresses but I found this instead - Jane's organizer! Click on the tabs to see photos, watch the trailer, or to get the code.

I really enjoyed watching it and admiring how beautiful Katherine Heigl is. I first saw her (or at least that's as far back as I remember her from) in the TV series Roswell. She is most known now for Grey's Anatomy, probably.

27 Dresses isn't your typical 'always the bridesmaid never the bride' story. It isn't even about how magical weddings are though it does touch on how there are different perceptions of a wedding or of marriage. It is about a young woman who takes joy in taking care of the needs of others.

She's got talent, that Jane. She could be rich as a Wedding Planner. I, on the other hand, would probably NOT be able to organize my own wedding when my time comes. I couldn't even organize a simple dinner and videoke night for my colleagues at work!

Back to the movie... It was, to me, about waking up from a dream. Seeing the truth about an ideal that held all of one's hopes and dreams. It's also about taking care of yourself above all else, without necessarily being selfish. I am all for being a person for others, because everyone needs that too, but in truth, you can fully give of yourself until you have loved and cared for yourself enough.

Okay, so maybe the movie really is about movies, but that's how I am when seeing movies. I think about other things that scenes or lines remind me of. I guess that's why I don't do good with reviews. Hehe :)

Music & Lyrics

Ok, I've lost count of how many times I've seen this movie, but every time I do, I enjoy it. I sing the song over and over sometimes :)

Thanks to Tracy who posted this video over at her blog, I now know the lyrics to Alex Fletcher's very own composition, the one he wrote and performed at the concert. Yes, the one that got the girl :) It's not my favorite song, it isn't as catchy nor poetic (sorry, I am not a literary genius ok) as Way back into love but it's got magic. With songs, sometimes, it's the thought that counts. Or rather, it's how it makes you feel that matters. And who wouldn't have a soft spot for someone who sings that?